Project Architect

Socket.dev; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 107,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

HGA is seeking a Project Architect in Santa Monica, CA to join our Community + Live, Workplace & Government practice. You will work with Senior Designers and Project Managers to develop innovative, technically sound design solutions and lead detailed documentation to uphold our design standards.

You will translate project goals into functional designs, coordinate architectural and engineering systems, and mentor junior staff while ensuring quality and timely milestones throughout all project

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and architectural licensure required.
• LEED accreditation preferred.
• 8–10 years of experience on small to mid-size projects.
• Proficiency in Revit; experience with AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Enscape.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of construction documents and ensure design intent is carried through.
• Translate complex project goals into creative design solutions.
• Collaborate across disciplines to coordinate architectural and engineering systems.
• Participate in client meetings and maintain relationships with stakeholders.
• Ensure milestones and deadlines are met with quality.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Communication

Time management

Presentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Architectural licensure

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Enscape

MS Office

Job description

Overview:

Project Architect - Community + Live, Workplace & Government

Location: Santa Monica, CA

HGA, a leading architectural, engineering, and planning firm, is seeking a talented and driven Project Architect to join our growing Community + Live, Workplace, and Government practice in Santa Monica, CA. We’re looking for someone with strong communication, presentation, time management, and interpersonal skills who thrives in a collaborative environment and is passionate about advancing great design.

In this role, you’ll work closely with Senior Designers, Project Managers, and other Project Architects to develop innovative and technically sound design solutions. You’ll lead the creation of detailed documentation while maintaining our firm’s high standards for design quality and client service.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead the development of construction documents and ensure design intent is accurately carried through.

• Translate complex project goals into creative and functional design solutions.

• Collaborate across disciplines to coordinate architectural and engineering systems.

• Participate in client meetings and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders.

• Ensure project milestones and deadlines are met with attention to detail and quality.

In this role you will:

• Design and understand and contribute to the project's design philosophy.
• Provide major input in developing design and building performance strategies and convey these effectively to team members.
• Lead project teams to develop complete document sets based on the project phase.
• Provide technical design input and solutions to project challenges, supporting the overall design concept.
• Oversee technical design efforts, detailed design development, project coordination, and quality control during all project phases, collaborating closely with the Senior Designer.
• Execute applicable agency review analysis (accessibility, zoning, life-safety, etc.).
• Actively collaborate with and coordinate the work of consultants and knowledge resources to ensure project deliverables are coordinated, integrated, and support the design concept and performance goals.
• Set an example for team effort through the spirit of cooperation while directing, organizing, and mentoring junior staff.
• Contribute to the preparation of design documents and lead the detailed development of construction documents during all project phases.
• Ensure complete, accurate, and coordinated project documentation.
• Oversee and perform construction administration duties, including reviewing shop drawings, material samples, RFI's, RFP's, and change orders for conformance with design.

What you will need to have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture
• Architectural Licensure required
• LEED accreditation preferred
• 8 - 10 years of experience, including work on small to mid-size projects
• Deep understanding of programming, codes, and technical detailing
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills in team environments
• Proficiency in Revit required; experience with AutoCAD, SketchUp, Enscape, and other graphic tools desired.
• Expertise with project management software and Microsoft Office Suite products needed
• Excellent communication, presentation, and time management skills

Salary Information:

The pay range listed aligns to the geography of the office for which this position is posted. Actual compensation will be based upon work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer. Individuals in this role working more than 24 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in HGA’s robust benefit programs which include an annual bonus and success sharing bonus program, 401(k) guaranteed contribution, paid parental leave, medical, dental and life insurance plans as well as PTO and short- and long-term disability programs. Salary Range: $106,900 - $124,300 depending on qualifications and experience.

Additional Information:

At HGA, you’ll do the best work of your career. We design with impact by diving deep into the people and passions that shape every place. Empathy fuels us, curiosity drives us, and meaningful work leads to innovation. We celebrate individuality, embrace flexibility, and thrive together in the office three days a week.

Join our nationally recognized, award-winning team of architects, engineers, and interior designers — help us shape what’s next.

Learn more about ushere.